The role of self‐reliance and denial in the help‐seeking process for eating disorders among university students

Objective This study investigated how self‐reliance and denial influence the relationship between help‐seeking attitudes and behaviour. Method Australian university students (N = 406) completed an online survey and females with elevated eating disorder (ED) concerns and high impairment were included in the study (N = 137). Participants completed measures of help‐seeking attitudes, perceived barriers, and actual help‐seeking behaviour. Via moderated logistic regression, we examined self‐reliance and denial as perceived barriers to help‐seeking. Results Of the total sample, over 33.7% of university students reported substantial ED concerns and impairment of whom 65.0% believed they needed help. While a majority reported that help‐seeking would be useful (85.4%), only a minority of participants had sought professional help for their concerns (38.7%). Self‐reliance and denial were frequently endorsed barriers and moderated the relationship between help‐seeking attitudes and behaviours. Conclusion ED concerns are common among university students and perceived barriers play a moderating role between attitudes and help‐seeking. Future prevention and early intervention programs should address students' denial, while the importance of reaching out for professional help (rather than relying on themselves) could be highlighted with peer support. Key Points Over one‐third of female university students experience substantial eating disorder (ED) symptoms and impairment. While 65% of those with ED symptoms believe they needed help, less than 39% had sought professional help. The belief that they should solve their own problems (self‐reliance; >91%) and denial (>75%) are frequently endorsed barriers towards help‐seeking for ED symptoms. Both self‐reliance and denial moderate the relationship between help‐seeking attitudes and help‐seeking behaviours.